Coast Guard, good Samaritans rescue 3 near Coronado Islands

Crews from Coast Guard Sector San Diego, Coast Guard Cutter Haddock and good Samaritans rescued three divers after their vessel capsized one mile south of the Coronado Islands, Mexico, Nov. 6, 2015. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/released)

CORONADO ISLANDS, Mexico — The Coast Guard, along with some good Samaritans, rescued three divers after their vessel capsized approximately one mile south of the Coronado Islands, Mexico Friday morning.

At 7:50 a.m., Friday, watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego received a distress call on VHF-FM channel 16 of a capsized 20-foot center console vessel that had capsized with three people in the water.

After coordination with Mexican officials, it was determined that Coast Guard assets were in the best position to respond. A Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched to locate the divers. The Coast Guard Cutter Haddock also diverted to assist in the rescue.

After arriving on scene, the Jayhawk crew was able to vector in the location to a good Samaritan vessel that retrieved the three divers from the water. The divers were then transferred to the Haddock once it arrived. The Haddock returned the divers to the Shelter Island launch ramp in San Diego at approximately 1 p.m. A commercial salvage vessel arrived on scene to tow the capsized vessel.

“This case showcases the outstanding partnership we have with our neighbors south of the border,” said Cmdr. Rob Potter, chief of response at Sector San Diego. “It also underscores the importance of being prepared for emergencies at sea. The preparedness of these divers, coupled with the outstanding communication between the Coast Guard and Mexican officials, ultimately allowed for their timely rescue.”